Air Force Command College

Hidden amidst the bustling city of Beijing, the Air Force Command College stands as a testament to China’s air power. This institution isn’t just a college. It’s the highest academic institution of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The Air Force Command College shapes the minds of the PLAAF’s future leaders. Established in 1958 as the PLAAF College in Nanjing, its journey has been one of transformation. Abolished in 1969, it was resurrected in 1974 as the “Air Force Military and Political Cadre School”. It finally found its current name and purpose in 1986. The college sits near Kunming Lake and Beijing Xijiao Airport, a location steeped in history and strategic significance. The Air Force Command College plays a crucial role, training mid-level and senior command officers, staff officers, and even master’s and doctoral students in military science. The college isn’t just about academics. It provides vital decision-making consultations to the head of the Air Force Party Committee, directly influencing the direction of the PLAAF. Over 50,000 command and staff personnel have passed through its doors. The Air Force Command College extends its reach beyond China’s borders. Since 2000, it has offered courses in English to foreign officers. As of 2010, it had trained 511 foreign officers from 62 countries, fostering international military cooperation. The college’s academic contributions are impressive. It has completed 175 national, military, and air force projects. It has compiled over 260 textbooks, published more than 180 monographs and translations, and contributed over 7,000 academic papers. The Air Force Command College is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a crucible where future air force leaders are forged, shaping the future of China’s air power.